Senior Research Consultant, Regional Study On Labour Practices in Fishing Sector in ASEAN

City/Country Location Details

Employment Status

Job Type Consulting

SCOPE OF WORK

SENIORRESEARCHCONSULTANTTOCONDUCTTHEREGIONALSTUDYONLABOUR PRACTICESINFISHING SECTORINASEAN

ADDRESSING LABOR EXPLOITATION IN FISHING IN ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN) (ALFA)

Position

​​SeniorResearchConsultant​

Period of PerformanceOn/About (From – To)

​​May15, 2024​

​​October31, 2024​

Maximum Level of Effort

STTA (40 days)

Base of Operations

Remote from Home

Project Background:

Despite being a major contributor to global fish production, the ASEAN region grapples with intricate challenges, including overfishing, illegal activities, and notably, labor exploitation. Workers in the fishing sector—many of whom are migrants—are often subject to hazardous conditions and unfair recruitment practices. While ASEAN has taken steps to address these issues, such as adopting targetedpolicies and declarations, labor exploitationremainsa significant concern. In this context, a comprehensive regional study becomes imperative. This study will scrutinize existing labor practices, regulatory frameworks, and working conditions, aiming toidentifyboth gaps and opportunities for improvements. With a focus on enhancing safety, ethical recruitment, and effective labor inspection mechanisms, the study is geared to inform and catalyze future policy interventions, fostering a more responsible and sustainable fishing sector across ASEAN.

Purpose:

The Research Consultant will lead this pivotal study over a span ofapproximately6 (six)monthscollaborating closely with the Project Directorand ALFA team.Given the complexity and urgency of labor exploitation issues in ASEAN's fishing sector, the Consultant’sexpertisewill be instrumental in formulating the research design, executing comprehensive analyses, and engaging with stakeholders. Theobjectiveis to formulate actionable insights and pragmatic policy recommendations that align with ASEAN's initiatives to improve labor conditions and promote responsible fishing practices.

OBJECTIVES AND DUTIES:

1. Collaborate intensively with the Project Directorand ALFA teamto develop a robust research design, aligning it with the study's purpose of evaluating labor conditions and exploitation issues within the fishing industry in the ASEAN regionin consultation with the ASEAN Secretariat.

2. Providespecialized technical insights to guide the research, particularly focusing on areas like occupational safety, responsible labor practices, ethical recruitment, and the efficacy of existing policies.

3. Conduct a comprehensive analysis of both primary and secondary data, which may include but is not limitedto,academic literature, policy documents, and interviews with key informants in the sector. This analysis should aim to illuminate the gaps, challenges, and opportunities in current labor practices within the ASEAN fishing industry.

4. Facilitate stakeholder engagement sessions,private sector mapping,involving ASEAN member states, international organizations, civil society, and industry representatives. These sessions aim to gatheradditionalinsights and validation for the study’s findings.

5. Collaborate with advisory panels and experts to refine findings and recommendations, ensuring they are actionable, relevant, and aligned with ongoing ASEAN initiatives to improve labor conditions in the fishing industry.

LEVEL OFEFFORT/TIMELINE

Thelevel ofeffortforthisassignmentis45 daysof support over a period of approximately sixponths.

REPORTING

The​SeniorResearchConsultant​will report to theProject Directorof ALFA.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced university degree (Master’sor equivalent degree),preferably in a relevant area such as maritime studies, labor studies, public policy, sociology, or economics.

• A minimum of 12years of prior experience in designing and conducting research projects related to labor rights, migration, or maritime sectors, with a focus on regional initiatives.

• Strong familiarity with ASEAN, its labor policies, and the unique challenges facing the fishing industry in the region is highly desirable.

• Demonstratedexpertisein labor rights and human trafficking issues, particularly as they relate to the fishing industry. In-depth understanding of Southeast Asia and ASEAN is a strong asset.

• A commitment to a consultative and collaborative approach in working with diverse stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English;proficiencyinadditionalASEAN languages is an advantage.

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